Hafdís Helgadóttir Presents FLÆÐARMÁL in Reykjavík and Beyond
Artist Hafdís Helgadóttir brings her site-specific project FLÆÐARMÁL to audiences, offering a thoughtful exploration of material, memory, and geography. Helgadóttir, who was born in Patreksfjörður in 1949 and lives and works in Reykjavík, has built a diverse artistic career spanning painting, drawing, photography, video, and installation work.
A graduate of the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts and the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki, her exhibition history includes presentations at major institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, the Living Art Museum, and the Nordic House, alongside international projects across Europe and North Africa.
Exploring Local Materials and Global Geometries
The works featured in FLÆÐARMÁL were originally developed for the multi-artist regional project Umhverfingu 4. Grounded in her family ties and frequent stays in the Patreksfjörður area, Helgadóttir began experimenting directly with sand gathered from the shoreline in Örlygshöfn.
This initial material exploration expanded into a broader conceptual framework. By collecting sand samples from various local coves and photographing each collection site, the artist investigated how natural elements can reference specific geographical environments. The resulting pieces integrate geometric principles, utilizing an approach inspired by Islamic Kufic square script—a traditional decorative writing style she encountered during a 2017 residency in Morocco—to shape local placenames using real sand grains on paper.
Experiencing Contemporary Art in Reykjavík
For culture enthusiasts and visitors mapping out local exhibitions, exploring contemporary art across the city offers rich insights into how regional materials intersect with international artistic traditions. Platforms like Musemap help travelers navigate active cultural venues and current showcases. To discover more creative spaces around the capital, you can browse museums or check what's on exhibitions to plan your next visit.
